Islanders brass encouraged by young team's growth and potential

It was much like the Islanders' furious third-period comeback that ultimately fell short in a 6-5 overtime loss to Pittsburgh in the regular-season finale Sunday. Islanders owner Charles Wang and general manager Garth Snow said they were disappointed about the outcome of the season but encouraged by the team's potential.

"It's unacceptable that we didn't make the playoffs, but having said that, there are positives," Snow said. "You look at the development of our young players and we have a great future."

The Islanders erased a three-goal deficit in the third period to gain a point in overtime, but they still dropped their third straight and second in three days against Pittsburgh. Despite a disappointing end to the regular season, the Islanders (79 points) finished 18 points ahead of where they finished last season (61) and were not officially eliminated from playoff contention until the final week.

"I think we have been competitive," Wang said. "If you look at how close we were [this season] and where we were last year, that's a great improvement. But more importantly, we've seen this group of kids grow up right before the eyes."

From the owner's suite at Nassau Coliseum, Wang saw both his Cinderella (Matt Moulson) and Prince Charming (John Tavares) of the season deliver fine performances. But although hidden gem Moulson scored his 30th goal of the season and prized rookie Tavares tallied twice to finish with 24, neither could compare to the dynamic tandem of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Malkin finished with two goals and two assists and Crosby scored twice to tie sophomore Steven Stamkos for the Maurice Richard Trophy with 51 goals.

Even without players comparable to that talented duo, Snow said he believes his team will make the playoffs next season.

"Absolutely," he said. "Everyone in that locker room who we bring back has to be better than they were this year."

"With a young group and veterans to guide us, it should be a fun time for us this time next year," Tavares said.

Beyond an extra year of experience for the team's emerging core of young players - such as Tavares, Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey - the team also will have more flexibility heading into next season to add the type of players who can take them to the next level.

"We're trying to get a forward who can put the puck in the net with more frequency,'' Snow said, "and obviously, there are some holes on defense. Either July 1 or via trade, we'll try to bring some help on the blue line."

Are the Isles willing to spend the type of money required to reel in a top-shelf player?

"I think we've demonstrated that in the past,'' Wang said, "and we'll continue to look at every opportunity. We went after Ryan Smyth [in 2007] and he got us into the playoffs."

Said Okposo, "We grew up a lot over the past couple of years. So you know what? Next year, we're looking to be a playoff team."

Notes & quotes: Bridgeport enforcer Joel Rechlicz was called up on an emergency basis to replace Sean Bergenheim, who left Saturday's game against the Devils with an upper-body injury . . . Bridgeport captain Mark Wotton was honored for his 1,000th career game Sunday.